1776 - Patria - Haz tu propio Anillo

Join Ruth in our studio overlooking Belfast Lough for an immersive jewellery session that invites you to step away from modern consumption. 

Under expert guidance, you will experience the same sensory sensations as an 18th century artisan: the clang of the hammer, the warmth of the flame, and the distinct scent of a workshop in action.

Rather than simply buying a mass produced souvenir, you will spend time as your ancestors would have done, crafting your own unique silver ring from a piece of sterling silver.

Your "Wearable Memory" To Go

Once the work at the bench is done, we hand over your silver ring to wear straight away:

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  The Heritage: Your handcrafted piece of history, a unique heirloom with its own story and belonging.

  
  


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  The Hammer: A precious metal band hand stamped with "1776", 13 stars or yours or an ancestor’s initials.

  
  


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  The Homeland: A deep personal connection to the skill of those who stood on these same Ulster fields, bridging the gap to the New World.

  
  

From Our home to Yours

Our home and workshop is nestled in the beatiful Holywood Hills with sweeping views of Belfast Lough and the Antrim Hills.

Ruth McEwan, but now McEwan-Lyon, is of Ulster Scots heritage as her father’s blood line came across from Scotland. Having moved away from NI for many years, Ruth settled in Holywood and has retrained into the old skills of making silver and gold jewellery and now enjoys sharing these skills with beginners like you.

There are strong local Holywood connections back to the history of the times when around 200,00 Ulster Scots / Scots Irish left Belfast port on boats called names like Nancy and Friendship.

Weather permitting you will be able to see the modern boats leaving Belfast taking the same intial journey past our hillside; just as the Titanic did as well. So, with a little imagination you can picture yourself seeing the old boats gliding past. 

Holywood's first Protestant Minister was Rev. Robert Cunningham and he started preaching at the Priory in 1615 and you can still visit the ruins of the Priory today.

In 1644 the Solemn League and Covenant was brought to Holywood where it was signed by the local populace. 

Perhaps you are visiting Northern Ireland to complete your own family 'circle' of journeys, to see where your ancesters once lived and maybe walk the same hills that they did. 

Join us to experience some time with us, making jewellery the old way and create your own memories of these Lands.

We end with some storytelling history and a newly created local drink to toast your good health and 'Safe Home'; with a little surprise to finish.

The Essentials

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  Private Experience: Exclusive to your group, a premium making experience with a professional goldsmith. It is always just you and your guest, 2 people normally, more via discussion; no one else is ever added to your booking time.

  
  


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  No Experience Needed: Ruth makes the ancient rhythm of the maker easy, fun, and stress free. 

  
  


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  Material: Sterling Silver, others precious metals are available on request. (14 days notice is prefered and extra costs will be quoted)


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  Timing: Roughly 10:00am to 1:00pm.

  
  


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  Location: 15 minutes from Belfast by train or car; parking available.